Fire Emblem Fates' Refreshing Take on Choices and Family Ties

Nintendo's Fire Emblem series has always understood the delicate nature of decisions and the consequences that follow. The first five chapters I play from the import version of Fire Emblem Fates appear to amplify that tradition. It builds a story that leans on the core theme of loyalty. In the end, when the chips are down, it asks whom do you side with? You could say the style is similar to Game of Thrones' conflict between the noble Stark family and the battle-hardened Greyjoys, but that's only on the surface. Both sides of Fire Emblem Fates' grim conflict present lovable and engaging characters. And it all builds up to a critical point in the story where you have to choose between the Nohr -- the family that raised you -- and the Hoshido -- the family you were taken from.

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The choice between Hoshido and Nohr might sound simple, but it's not as easy as you think. Both side of this conflict have good and bad qualities. Both also have unique classes and story you won't get to experience once you've made a decision. Of course, no one likes story spoilers. So this preview will try to dance around the details as best as possible.

Regardless of the version you choose for Fire Emblem Fates, both retail packages are conveniently labeled Conquest or Birthright, the first five chapters unfold the same way. You begin by choosing a difficulty (Normal, Hard, Lunatic) and a mode that determines what happens when you lose a unit in battle. In Fire Emblem Awakening, you chose between Classic -- where ally units killed in the field die permanently -- and Casual mode -- where friendly units killed will return afterward.

Fates introduces Phoenix mode, which revives killed ally units on the next turn. It's a welcome addition, even if the series is known for its hardcore perma-death rules. Phoenix mode is another good choice for new players or anyone eager to just experience the story.

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You begin the adventure by building an avatar that is named Corrin by default. This prince (or princess) starts out as a member of the Nohr Kingdom. Fates has more customization options than Fire Emblem Awakening, but it should be noted that only have two different height sizes per gender.

It's a special time for the Nohr: You've reached the proper age to fight for the kingdom. King Garon describes his family as "descendants of the ancient gods, the First Dragons," which gives some context for a special in-game ability you have that can transform terrain. Called the Dragon Vein, it can be used to clear debris from the map and, potentially, alter the flow of a battle.

Activating this ability is as simple as standing on a labeled spot, but it has impact. In a later campaign mission, I needed to rescue two squad mates from monsters that look like the Risen. I could use the ability to take down mountains of snow and build a direct path to reach them quickly. You learn in the campaign that both Hoshido and Nohr can harness this power.

Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright

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Fire Emblem Map Pack 2 - Map I

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Fire Emblem Map Pack 2 - Map I

Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright

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Despite their darker color tone, there's a lot to like in the Nohr. Corrin's oldest brother Xander, is a proud warrior. The other siblings Leo, Elise, and Camilla each have admirable qualities and combat prowess. You feel right at home with them. But, right from the start, you can tell the family patriarch King Garon is going to be a problem. During a ceremony at Castle Krakenburg in the Nohr Kingdom, Corrin is given the Ganglari, a sword infused with magic from another world. Garon reminds his child that Nohr is at war with the eastern kingdom of Hoshido and asks his child to murder some prisoners from their last battle.

Eventually, you are reunited with the Hoshido and meet equally likeable characters that feel like reflections of your other family. Ryoma is your proud older brother, and a warrior that wields a katana enhanced by lighting. Hinoka, Tamuki, and Sakura share similar friendly qualities. You don't really know if they're trustworthy at first, but the story does a good job of presenting their honorable qualities.

The first five chapters of Fire Emblem Fates set up some painful choices involving characters you don't want to harm. But the decision you make has bigger implications than just narrative. If I choose Hoshido, the gameplay unfolds in a manner similar to Awakening, where most battles unfold with a simple win conditions. The Nohr path is more structured and, in the end, more difficult, with less opportunities to earn experience and funds. Choosing your birth family will give you access to classes like Samurai, Ninja, Pegasus Warrior, and Spellcaster. Choosing the other will give you access to classes like Maid, Rod Knight, Dark Blood, and Outlaw.

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Nintendo's new approach for Fire Emblem Fates feels refreshing, and I'm eager to see how well these separate storylines develop. The only big question remaining for me regarding Fates is cost. In Japan, once you choose a side in the conflict, the other campaign is locked off until a player purchases it as DLC. A third storyline where you choose neither side is also available to purchase. Details on how the three storylines will be made available in other regions will be announced at a later date. So far, I can say Fates is definitely fun and worth an investment. But we'll have to wait and see how Nintendo chooses to approach DLC with this release in the West.